More than 65,000 final-year primary school students from both public and private schools across Costa Rica are taking part in the Standardized National Diagnostic Subject Tests for 2026, according to an announcement on March 10. The exams will be held from March 10 to March 13 and involve a total of 3,434 schools.
The purpose of these subject-based tests is to assess the knowledge and skills that students should have developed during the second cycle of primary education. The results aim to identify strengths and areas for improvement so that teachers and families can support student learning once reports are available.
According to the school calendar, students will start with Social Studies on Tuesday, followed by Mathematics on Wednesday, Spanish on Thursday, and conclude with Science on Friday. Of the participants, 54,253 students will take the test in physical format while another 11,144 will complete it digitally.
Educational supports such as Braille tests, enlarged print, additional time, and other accommodations have been arranged for those who need them. Schools requested a total of 15,651 such supports ahead of time. School directors were required to submit lists of participating students since December last year; those not registered must take the exam during a rescheduled period in May.
The administration also highlighted several commemorations this month including International Women’s Day on March 8 and recognition of Francisca “Pancha” Carrasco Jiménez as Benemérita de la Patria in 2025 for her contributions to national sovereignty. Additionally, Costa Rica joined the School Meals Coalition led by the United Nations World Food Programme with a goal that every child receives a healthy meal at school by 2030.
